Saturday, March 30, 2013

An Early Morning Surprise


Have you seen this Sign? It is locate by the front door of the Humane Society of Southeast Texas. 



It is not often I let my frustrations show. After all, my job is to bring smiles and giggles to those who come in contact with me.

However, this morning my frustration was heightened as the fur on my back when I learned there were 5 small kittens, less than a week old, left at the door front of the shelter. Thank goodness we have such wonderful staff members who immediately took control and began taking care of these young ones that had been left to fend for themselves.


We also have wonderful volunteers, like Ms. Donna, who quickly answered the call to help and took the young ones home to begin the newborn schedule of caring and feeding every couple of hours to ensure their best chances of survival.  So, on this weekend celebrating the awareness of new life ... 5 more will live a little longer to love and to be loved. A beautiful lesson to teach our young ones about ultimate gift that all God's creatures are given a chance of new life.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Can You Hear Me Now?

Can you tell what my new friend is holding? At first glance you would think he is holding a camera... but it is really Sam's chew toy. We were busy taking pictures and Sam saw what a cutie I am. So what does this smart little dog do? He runs to me and tries to take over. Well, I showed him!! I am playing hard to get. I just can't let all the pups around here think I am an easy catch. After all, my attention is drawn else where at the moment and Sam is going to have to wait his turn. But wait, we can't do that. I must have all the attention, after all, I am Loopy, hear me Roar!

It's A New Day

Here I am in those comforting arms of a small child. See, she knows just how to hold on to me and keep me safe. Now mind you, those little puppies know better than to mess with me and if she wasn't holding me back... we would be playing some major tug awar. However, I chose not to be the object of their tugging, for now, I preferred to be held.

The Laughter of Children

For me, there is nothing so grand as the sound of children laughing. I had such joy as some of the little ones were out of school and their parents brought them to the HSSET. I was held so carefully and comfortably. I knew 'someone' was falling in love with me. I can't wait until she get's her own young soft pup. I know her eyes will light up just like Audine's did when she was just about the same age. Did you know puppies love to see their new little owners fall in love with them as much as you do? Ahhh ... yes. There is nothing like the smiles and laughter of children playing and enjoying themselves.

Clean, Single, Looking for a Boyfriend

Remember all the rugs that going in cat cages, the towels used to dry out cages and the kennel floors? Those things don't just clean themselves!!



I tried to help today but I almost got thrown into the washer. I tried to tell them I already took my bath but no one wanted to listen.

I didn't always see someone in this room but that washer and dryer were always running. I am sure glad I don't pay the electric bill every month! Besides, I have been helping Audine wash her clothes since she was in high school.  Don't tell her I told you this, but "I" am the one who had to do all the work. Of course, I do it so much better.

 So, I jumped on a stack of towels that needed folding.It was like jumping in a stack of leaves!  I was making all the noise I could to keep from someone else thinking I was just one of the towels.
 I wonder what kind of detergent is used... this smells good. I wander if it was they use dryer sheets? They could use those to help in the dryer and then use them in the kitty litter boxes. That will help the cats smell better. (You know how they smell sometimes, those darn cats)

 I have been able to meet several people in here. There have been several volunteers working in here as well. It seems to "the place to be" today. It's a volunteer hangout. Everyone is coming in and out. All the magazines suggest the laundry mat as a place to meet your possible mate ... what do you think? Wanna see who you meet working with me?

Techies not Trekkies

Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to treat or to help veterinarians diagnose the illnesses and injuries of animals. Our Vet Tech's work under the supervision of Dr. Hahn who's practice is on the other side of the parking lot from our shelter. Alicia is one of our Vet tech's. I caught her viewing the slide of one of my furry friends who has been feeling under the weather.
I am so excited to see Melissa returning from Dr. Hahn's office. After an animal is taken in to the HSSET they go through a check list of wellness check's. If everything shows all clear, they go into a special room for new animals for two weeks. This is to insure nothing new shows up during their first couple of weeks here. After two weeks, they are moved into the public viewing area depending on space available.

If they are ill, then our Vet Tech's are quick to begin the healing process. We are a caring bunch of people at the shelter and we want all of our precious friends to be at their best.

I am not one to enjoy the poking and prodding, but I am certainly glad to know all of my friends are watched carefully and all animals receive monthly preventative medicines as well. I am usually able to hide when I see one of these guys coming ...

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Meet "My Buds"

I just love these guys. I was walking around with Audine yesterday morning and they saw me. They came running. Audine just started laughing she thought it was so funny. I was looking everywhere for a mirror. After all, you must always look your best when someone is attracted to you!  

Enie, Meenie, Minie, Moe... I have so many special friends,
I feel like the bachelorette! I don't think I can give a rose to any of these guys.
 It may not be too healthy!  

Bow WOW!!



Cleaning the dog kennels can be a real chore. In spite of this, our HSSET staff are busy every morning cleaning. There are three different rooms that are open to the public.





This is the puppy room. This room holds our younger dogs and the some of the smaller dogs. Rachelle and Kayla are getting a group of pups out so they can go play while their cage is clean.





These pups are much closer to my size... but, still they could chew me up and spit me out just for fun. Makes me shiver just thinking about it!! Back to the task at hand... it takes two people, working together to clean out the dog kennels. There are the pups, the small dogs, the large male dogs and the large female dog areas. Then we have the intake quarantine area.

When I first came I was like wow, who does all of this? Then, it takes a lot of team work, co-ordination and a loving group of people to spend the first three hours of their work day cleaning out after each dog. I've heard Audine complain about cleaning up after her dogs at home... I wonder what she thinks about now??
 hmmm....

Now, I went to see our bigger dogs. All by myself. I thought I was being so brave. What should happen? I found Josh cleaning one of the kennels. He thought I needed a shower but I quickly ran. Phew, just in time.

I may look like I have short legs but these little things rarely fail me when I need them most!










Brittany is the back supervisor. Don't you like her wild pants? I bet you didn't know they have to clean all these cages with bleach. Yes, bleach. The staff where one set of clothes when cleaning. After they have finished cleaning out their assigned area, they change into their nice staff shirts with clean jeans and they are ready to serve the public.

What happens to all that bleach? While the dogs are outside playing, the staff will use a squeegee and get most of the excess water and bleach mixture out. Then the towel dry. The rest will dissipate while the dogs are still outside playing. Bet you didn't know that, huh? Boy, I could make all kinds of bets today and very few could win but me... I could be rich! I know, I new house just for me. I might even invited some of my friends from the shelter to come to my house warming... oh well, another story for another day.


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Reason We Open at 11am


Kenny and Theresa clean cat kennels one at a time. 
This cleaning process begins every morning at 8:00 am and the staff works straight through to 11am.The crew was hard at work this morning cleaning out the cat and dog kennels.



 Just imagine walking in and taking a big whiff of all these dirty cages... Phew... I can tell you. "It ain't a pretty smell!"  Of course, the staff will not let their special friends live in such conditions all day. It's not healthy.

Fresh rugs, blankets and/or towels are put in the bottom of every cats kennel.


 


 I took a walk today and I had to wear mask. I tried to sneak up on a couple of people but they heard the little click, click as I walked around.


All clean and ready for a new day!

  
I need my nails clipped... ahem... AUDINE... where are you? I NEED GROOMING. I'll check back later.



 First, I am off to find that wild woman, Audine, again. She sure does seem to hide when the camera comes out. Have you noticed that?
 
 "Yawn"... watching all of these people work so hard has made me tired. It's time for a nap ..."yawn" ...


I'm Hired!

It's official. I even have my own temporary name tag. Now, I am truly a part of the team!! Aren't you jealous??? Hello, this is the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, this is Loopy speaking, may I help you?

Does HSSET Have a Website?

Well I am so glad you asked. One day, sitting in the office I was jumping around on the keyboard. What did I come across?  The HSSET website: http://www.petsforpeople.org/
There is so much information I was able to keep myself busy while Audine did her paperwork. (Shhh... she doesn't like people to know she does other things than play with the animals). There are so many fun places to click I can't explain it all in such a small place. So, you should go check it out yourself. Here is the link: If you are anxious to meet me, as I know many of you are, the directions and hours are listed. Come check us out!

SHHH ... They are Sleeping

Hmmm... I am sitting here in the dark. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the various members of the staff. I have to whisper as not to disturb those who are still sleeping. I can hear some of the dogs and cats that have recently been brought to the center. It's scary for animals to be here in the beginning. They don't know what is happening, they don't realize, yet, the people here are going to help them. When pets first arrive they have to be 'quarantined'. This means they are in a separate room for 2 weeks to insure they are free of disease and have all their well and safety checks. This is not just to take care of them, but also to care for all the other animals already here at the facility as well. The public are not allowed to interact with these animals until they are moved into the other areas. This area also has limited staff interactions. I am glad to know the staff that care for these scared animals are so loving and talk to them and help them adjust to their temporary setting.

The staff begin arriving around 7:30 am. I will check in and have Audine take some pictures so you can see how busy it is as they start their day cleaning all the crates and kennels. The day begins energetically as the dogs bark excitedly and the cats meow loudly when they see the other humans come in. One day, you should come around and see. By the way, how often do you clean out your pet's home?

Monday, March 25, 2013

Hanging Around



Here I am by the front entrance of the HSSET just hanging around. I am watching all the people buzzing around from place to place. This place is always hopping with endless energetic people. I get tired just watching them… phew!

Well, I must get on with my responsibility and share with you about the backside of the Humane Society. Did you know that we rely totally on donations to support the expenses around this big ol’ place? I was amazed at how much they are able to do and so conservatively. Some people give $10 a month others give more. But for the HSSET they do not treat anyone differently. They appreciate even the smallest dollar given. Would you believe, even kids will sponsor a dog and cat food drive to help offset the expenses!

I love to sit quietly by the door a swing on this little cat toy. First of all, it annoys the cats. Second, I am able to learn so much by listening as the staff at the front desk explains to various people who enter the building about the animals. Why today, I even had a little girl smile when she saw me. Do you know how much that human touch means to me? Just think, I am only a soft pup. I know my other friends around the Humane Society enjoy the soft touch of a person stroking their fur. Have you been up here lately? Have you spent some time with one of my friends? Please share your story with me. I love to hear how much my friends are loved!

Meet Loopy

Hi, my name is Loopy. I belong to Audine and I volunteered to help show you around until the HSSET can get their own soft pup. I began my not so young life when Audine was very young, just entering 1st grade. She and her best friend both had one just like me made by her friend's mom. Audine asked for my help to share with you the ins and outs of the HSSET because very few people can say no to me when I ask questions. Join me on this journey through the backside of the Humane Society of Southeast Texas (HSSET). There are many tail wagging activities that happen every day. We hope you will find them just as exciting as I do.

Welcome

This blog is to help inform our various fans and followers of the comings and goings behind the doors of the Humane Society of Southeast Texas. We are often asked how we are able to take care of so many animals? What does it take to keep so many animals happy? How do you keep them all so healthy? These are such good animals do you have specialized trainers? I want that dog, how can I bring it home? What can I do to help? And there are so many more questions we get everyday. Stay with us, we will answer these and more as time passes. We welcome your comments, input and will do our best to answer your questions as quickly as possible.